A novel approach to the stereoselective semi-synthesis of GM-237354 by employing a highly β-selective glycosylation

Synthesis of GM-237354 (1), a potent inhibitor of fungal elongation factor 2, was achieved starting from sordaricin using a highly stereoselective glycosylation reaction as a key step. Glycosylation utilizing 2-deoxy-2-iodo-glycopyranosyl acetate 6a gave glycoside 8 as a single product, and 8 was easily converted into 1.